CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa County schools coordinated efforts to ensure lower income residents have happy holidays.

Crestview High School's leadership program members raised more than $2,000 to buy food and gifts for three families.

"Last year, we had so much stuff that we had to take more than one truck to each house," senior Gabrielle Thomas, 17, said. "This year, I’m hoping that we have that much, if not more."

Students said the program reminds them of their blessings.

"It definitely makes me feel that I appreciate everything I have been able to receive," Jess Fisher, 17, said. "This is my first year ever doing this and it makes me want to do this after I graduate."

"You can take pride in yourself for helping someone else in need and hopefully making an impact on their life," Ashley Guthrie, 16, said.

Additionally, the high school collected shampoo, body lotion, body wash, deodorant and socks for Emerald Coast Hospice.

 “This turned out to be an awesome event. The high school went over the top and collected a lot more than I had hoped for,” Kathryn Ann O'Connor, Emerald Coast’s volunteer coordinator, said.

Toys filled Jennifer Richards' fourth-grade classroom this week at Riverside Elementary School, which presented a “Giving Instead of Receiving” toy drive.

“We’re running out of room, we might not be able to walk comfortably around here … it is great problem to have,” Richards said before students left for Christmas break.

Students performed chores around the house to earn money for needy children’s gifts. Each student received the age and sex of the student to buy toys for. 

 “I cleaned my room and made my bed … I got around $10 to $15.” Linsey Bumgardner, 9, said. She bought clothes and building blocks for the child she selected.

Toys benefited the school’s students who come from lower-income families — a number that recently has grown, Richards said.

 “I have never sponsored more than 15 kids,” Richards said. “Right now, we have over 35 kids.”

Riverside Principal Marline Van Dyke has noticed the swelling need.

"We have probably added 400 students this year," Van Dyke said. "Our school nearly has 1,000 students and 60 percent of them are in poverty."

Students and teachers collected 350 gifts for 37 students, as of press time, Richards said in an email. Each student will receive 10 Christmas gifts.

In addition, students collected 2,500 canned goods, following the lead of Shoal River Middle School student Trevor Bryant, 14.

Trevor introduced the idea to Riverside faculty and staff as part of his Mustang Learning Community project. The MLC encourages students to participate in community service projects. His church, Victorious Life Worship Center, also participated.

Most important to Trevor was the result.

“There won't be as many hungry people in this community,” he said.

 Robin Marston, president of Sharing and Caring in Crestview, expressed her gratitude.

“It helps tremendously with the needy families in the community,” Marston said. “We appreciate this very much.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Students, teachers donate items for holidays

CRESTVIEW — The National Weather Service reports a strong weather cell is approaching the area from the west, including tornado watches. At 9:46, the tornado watch area had passed over northern Okaloosa County into Walton County and southern Alabama, but further tornado watches were approaching from the west.

After the band of squalls passed through, local weather spotter Chayne Sparagowski reported the storm activity has "weakened some." Sparagowski operates a Crestview-based weather station that contributes to the National Weather Service.

Sparagowski reported "lots of rotation but nothing strong," indicating that while the storm system had the possibility of forming tornadoes, conditions were not suitable to generate a twister.

Both the National Weather Service and Sparagowski said further wind and rain can be expected throughout the morning.

"There's more to come, but things overall are tending to weaken," Sparagowski said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Strong' weather cell passing through

CRESTVIEW — 7th Special Forces members may attend a Christmas meal at 11 a.m. today at the 7SF dining facility. Meal card holders may eat free.

Holiday rate of $7.50 applies to officers and enlisted soldiers; spouses and dependents of enlisted soldiers, E-5 and above; and retirees, guests and civilians.

Discount rate of $6.40 applies to spouses and dependents of enlisted  soldiers, E-4 and below.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 7th Special Forces Christmas meal today

CRESTVIEW — Several area residents’ Decembers will be greener after a coordinated effort to provide Christmas trees for lower income residents.

David Fitzpatrick is continuing a family tradition of donating Christmas trees to families unable to purchase their own during the holidays.

Tuesday, Fitzpatrick rented a truck to collect 23 Frasier firs from Lowe's Home Improvement Store in Crestview. The store donated unsold Christmas trees to Fitzpatrick, who delivered them to Sharing and Caring in Crestview.

Families who can’t afford Christmas trees can receive a tree while they’re available.

 Fitzpatrick — who has collected unsold Christmas trees for 23 years — usually enlists his three children to help him load the trees.

"They have been helping me for the past 12 years," Fitzpatrick said. Reba, 16, was on hand to assist her father this year, while the other two had to work, Fitzpatrick said.

Reba said she enjoys people’s reactions when they get the trees.

"I like to see the smile on their faces," Reba said.

Her father agreed.

"I love to give to people that need something," David said, adding he believes his children will continue the tradition.

"My kids said that when I couldn't do it anymore than they would take over," he said. "It's going to be an ongoing thing for the family."

Robin Marston, Sharing and Caring’s president, expressed gratitude for the Fitzpatricks’ effort.

"Our clients really appreciate it," Marston said. "For a lot of them, this is how they get their Christmas trees every year." 

Christmas trees are usually left outside the organization’s building for pick-up.

"We usually don't have any left over," Marston said.

Want a tree? Sharing and Caring is at 298 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Trees are in limited supply. Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview family collects Christmas trees for lower income residents

CRESTVIEW — Longtime local business, church and community leader Billy Teel died Monday at age 81.

Born in Opp, Ala., in 1931, he moved with his parents, Dewey and Pauline Teel, and younger brother, Bob, to Crestview in 1944, played football, baseball and basketball at Crestview High School and performed in the school band.

“I started playing football the year after Billy,” fellow Crestview High graduate Joe Curenton said. “We were good friends. He was a well-liked person.”

After graduating from Crestview High, Teel played baseball for Florida State University, from which he graduated with a business degree before entering the U.S. Air Force. He served close to home as an air traffic controller at Eglin Air Force Base.

Gaining professional certifications in real estate, he founded Teel and Waters Real Estate and the Crestview State Farm insurance office, at which he served 54 years.

Teel’s real estate and property expertise, and his designation as a member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers made him an expert court witness in real estate valuation cases. For the respect he earned within the industry, his friend and colleague Mike Chesser referred to Teel as “the dean of real estate in Okaloosa County.”

Teel’s influential role behind Crestview’s 1950s business renaissance earned him the area business community’s affection and respect. He helped found the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, for which he served as president from 1959 to 1960.

“He is one of the few icons of our community who built Crestview for what it is now,” chamber executive director Wayne Harris said. “We call them The ’56ers. They were a core group of leaders, of which Billy was one of them. They were the number of people who were the leading business folks who started building our community.”

People admired Teel for his work ethic and dedication to his community, area historian Betty Curenton said.

“Billy was a self-made man,” she said. “He didn’t just have his money handed to him. He got it the hard way. He worked for it.”

“He was a quiet leader,” Harris said. “He was involved in a lot of things but he wasn’t one who made a lot of noise. He worked hard to succeed and he helped build our community.”

Teel was involved at the First Baptist Church, of which he was a lifelong member, Joe Curenton said. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher over the years.

Teel was a private pilot and supporter of local fine and performing arts. He served on the First National Bank of Crestview’s board of directors, was active in the local Kiwanis Club and was a mentor to many area business owners. In addition to his brother Bob, Clara Jo Teel, his wife of 60 years, their grown children Ann Teel Hatcher and Bruce Teel and their families, survive him.

Funeral services were Thursday at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Billy Teel was laid to rest at Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Business, community leader Billy Teel dies

Update: The fire reportedly cost about $14,000 in damage.

CRESTVIEW — Traffic has stabilized after a house fire near Twin Hills Park required altered routes.

The house, at 556 N. Hathaway St., received severe damage but no injuries have been reported.

"No one was home at the time," Crestview Fire Deparmtent Battalion Chief David Brown said. The fire's cause has yet to be determined.

"The state fire marshal's office has been contacted to investigate," Brown said.

Authorities closed off a portion of East Pine Avenue while North Okaloosa Fire District and the Crestview Fire Department's crews extinguished the fire this afternoon.

Crews reportedly were dispatched to the scene around 2 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Traffic flowing after house fire

CRESTVIEW — Thursday marks a milestone for a Crestview couple’s relationship, and a rarity for most couples: 70 years of wedded bliss.

Friends and family of Marlin and Charlotte Bass, 89 and 87, respectively, filled First Baptist Church of Crestview’s fellowship hall on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the occasion. The couple, who married Dec. 20, 1942, celebrated an early anniversary to accommodate loved ones.

The Basses have three children, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who attended the celebration, which was open to the public. A new great-great grandchild was absent.

Although the party had plenty of cake, fruit punch and presents, the couple were too busy socializing to have any of it.

"I wasn't expecting this many people,” said Dudley Bass, 56, the youngest of siblings Jeffery Dean Bass, 63, and Dottie Lynn, 61.

Charlotte expected the packed house.

"We knew there would be a lot (of people) here. We are a very loving family," she said with a smile.

The crowd included several church members like Scotty and Jan Cline, who attend Sunday school with Basses.

"It's more than a milestone," Jan Cline said. "They are the sweetest people and the most dedicated Christians."

Jeffery traveled from Tennessee to share in his parents’ special occasion.

"There are very few families who can have this type of celebration," he said.

And after 70 years, the couple are still going strong — literally.

"We are proud that they are in as good shape as they are,” Jeffery said. "They are pretty much independent” and drive around.

Others agreed.

"For their age, they get around great," Dudley said.

Relatives said the couple has stayed young at heart.

"They haven't seemed to lose their enthusiasm at their age," grandchild Janet Fitzgerald said. "They still have fun with each other."

An inspiration

Some of the younger family members marveled at the marriage’s longevity.

"It’s unbelievable that they have been together for that long," said great grandchild Lillie Gaillard, 10. "I know that (Marlin) was in World War II; that's pretty cool."

Her mother, Erin, found her grandparents’ long lasting marriage inspirational.

"I think it sets an example for all of us," she said. "My husband, David, and I will be married for 14 years in February."

Their story

Marlin and Charlotte met through mutual friends while attending Munson School. The pair attended several social functions like afterschool parties together before their friendship bloomed into something greater.

"In the summertime of that year (1942) is when we decided to get serious," Charlotte said.

After their marriage, Marlin joined the U.S. Army for six years and served in World War II.

Post-military life meant trying different jobs like selling life insurance, working as a Gulf Power meter reader and moving onto the next thing.

"He has experience in everything," said Charlotte, who worked 22 years in the Okaloosa County School System.

The couple’s three children — who came after Marlin left the military — eventually helped the family grow to what it is this day.

Despite an enduring marriage that will span seven decades, disagreements arise, the couple said, but they manage to work things out.

"Time is a marvelous healer of all things," Charlotte said.

But a healthy marriage requires each other’s hard work, Marlin said.

"We worked through all of this together," Marlin said. "It was a cooperative effort all the way around." 

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Friends, family gather for 70th wedding anniversary

CRESTVIEW — James H. Philpott, a Crestview resident since the 1940s, will celebrate his 90th birthday 2 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at Joy Fellowship Church’s fellowship hall, 5978 Old Bethel Road.  The public is invited.

Philpott married S. Jean Spivey Dec. 26,1949. The couple will celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary this year.

Philpott worked on many mall and other commercial construction sites in Florida.

“His joy has been working with his hands, whether building a house, crafting cabinets or adding on to a home,” the family said in a statement.

The News Bulletin publishes north Okaloosa County residents' birthday, engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements at no charge. Submissions may be edited for length and style. Call 682-6524 or email news@crestviewbulletin.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BIRTHDAY: James H. Philpott celebrates 90 years Dec. 23

HOLT — Many birthday boys and girls fixate on flashy gifts they’ll receive.

Railey Conner of Holt has a different perspective.

She’s rejecting gifts on Saturday, her 12th birthday, and requesting donations for senior citizens in nursing homes.  

"I think it would be better to donate than to receive gifts," she said.

Railey won’t miss the gifts, Angie Holland, her mother, said. 

"It's not a big deal to her like it is to the adults that find out that what she is doing," she said.

This marks the second year of Railey's Birthday Project. Last year, she donated gift bags to residents at Carrington Manor in Crestview. This year, Railey also will give gifts to residents at Safe and Secure Respite Care LLC in Crestview.  

The former has a special place in her heart.

It’s been the home of her great grandmother, Roxie Buchanan, 84, for the past two years. She and her mother regularly visit Buchanan, who has Alzheimer's disease.

Those visits inspired Railey’s wish to bring Christmas joy to the elderly.

"When I visit her and see the other people in the nursing home, I see how lonely they are," Railey said. "I think most people tend to think of needy children, which is great, but we forget about the elderly because they are not often seen out in public.”

Slippers, nightclothes, lotions and crossword puzzles are among donations that fill a spare room in the family’s home.  

"(Recipients) really enjoy the puzzles because it helps them pass the time," Railey said. "They also like the new clothing we get them because it is something new to wear."

Some 60 nursing home residents should receive gifts come Christmas Eve, she said.  

 Local businesses, churches and organizations posted project fliers to aid the effort. First Baptist Church of Holt and Innerlight Surf and Skate locations in Fort Walton Beach and Destin set up donation drop boxes.

Area residents have donated about $600, which the mother-daughter duo will use to buy gift-bag items, Railey said. But donations — which far surpass the number of presents most 12-year-old girls receive — haven’t met this year’s goal.

"I think we are almost there, but not quite there yet," Railey said.

She has a plan if donations exceed expectations.

"Whatever we have left over, we will box up and donate them to other nursing homes in the area," she said.

"She's a great girl, very selfless," Patti Snow, Carrington Manor’s administrator, said.

Railey doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk, meeting personally with dependent seniors, getting to know them.

"She actually knows a lot of the residents here, so she personally knows what each one of them want for Christmas," Snow said.

"The residents really enjoy what she does for them."

Want to donate?

See Railey's 12th Birthday Project at facebook.com/Railey's12thBirthdayProject/ She sends donations on Christmas Eve.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Holt birthday girl seeks donations for seniors, not presents

Northwest Florida residents have one last opportunity to participate in a historic and potentially life-saving study.

The American Cancer Society is seeking volunteers for the 20-year Cancer Prevention Study-3. The study hopes to reduce cancer cases in the future by discovering what factors contribute to the development of the disease.

“(The scientists try) to discover cures, combinations, any common denominators, any factors that people might share that would develop cancer down the road,” said Cindy Davis, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. “It’s really very, very vital to the research that’s going to be done and is being done on this disease.

“It’s a vital study,” Davis added. “When you think about it, it’s not only saving ourselves, but up the road our children, their children.”

The original Cancer Prevention Study conducted in the 1950s was the first one to link lung cancer to cigarettes. Cancer Prevention Study-2 started in 1982 and is ongoing.

Cancer Prevention Study-3 is open to anyone age 30 to 65 who has never been diagnosed with cancer. Everyone who is accepted in the study will donate blood at an upcoming signup and fill out a detailed survey on their lifestyle and their family medical history. For the next 20 years, each participant will update their surveys once every two to three years.

If a participant is diagnosed with cancer later, his or her blood sample will be pulled to be studied and compared to other people diagnosed to look for clues of what might have caused the disease.

The study requires 300,000 participants. About 180,000 had signed up by the end of 2012.

The final round of enrollment in Northwest Florida will be from 7 to 11 a.m. March 14 at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach. Additional signups will take place through March 22 at West Florida Hospital, Baptist Hospital, Woodlands Medical Specialist and Gulf Breeze Hospital.

Lori Perkins at the Cancer Society’s Pensacola office said 800 people from Northwest Florida have signed up for Cancer Prevention Study-3 since 2007. The goal for the March enrollment is to sign up at least 500 more volunteers.

Davis is coordinating a kickoff event for the enrollment Jan. 24 in Pensacola, and is looking for people to become “community champions” for the study. Each community champion who attends the event will commit to recruiting at least 10 people to participate in the study.

To become a community champion, contact Davis at cdacsrtr@yahoo.com.

For more information on the Cancer Prevention Study-3, visit cancer.org/cps3 or email cps3@cancer org.

Contact Daily News Business Editor Dusty Ricketts at 850-315-4448 or dricketts@nwfdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustyRnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwest Florida participants needed for 20-year cancer study